Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers Pre-Match Thread

[Bad English]

I expect us to win. By one goal will be fine.


However, I also expect us to concede. I am OK about this, as long as they score from a rip-roaring 135 yard Chris Nicholl* shot and not a fucking set-piece. I also want them to score after 15 minutes of play and, at the latest, 15 minutes before the end of normal time. I could even live with a draw if that happened.**



* I mean Chris Nicholl 'style', he won't be playing for them, silly!
**I am fibbing in this sentence.

[l_mckay]

massive game,think we will win 3-2!

[Clampy]

Still think we ballsed up by not buying a left back in the window.

I agree, although he did try and get Wayne Bridge apparantley, but that looks like being a lucky escape the way he's playing.

[Jimsta]

We just can't keep a clean sheet so i go for 2-2 draw with Young and Bent scoring.

[curiousorange]

I don't want to be the bearer of bad tidings but I turn 30 on the Tuesday following this game and we've had some shocking results on or around the 22nd. Last season it came slap bang in the middle between a 2-2 home nailbiter against the Dogheads and a pathetic 1-1 against Sunderland, and we ended the week shipping 7 at Stamford Bridge. The season before, we lost 5-0 at Anfield. The season before that, 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland...it's fair to say I'm not looking forward to the end of this week for a fair few reasons.

[Legion]

I hit 40 this Wednesday. It's all downhill for me but I'm hoping for a good result to start my mid-life crisis off.

[SoccerHQ]

The Dogheads are garbage and going down.

If we attack like we did against Bolton, then we'll smash them into next week.

Carlos in the middle to deal with the high ball.

Wolves's recent form dosen't suggest they're garbage tbh.

[Chris Smith]

I don't want to be the bearer of bad tidings but I turn 30 on the Tuesday following this game and we've had some shocking results on or around the 22nd. Last season it came slap bang in the middle between a 2-2 home nailbiter against the Dogheads and a pathetic 1-1 against Sunderland, and we ended the week shipping 7 at Stamford Bridge. The season before, we lost 5-0 at Anfield. The season before that, 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland...it's fair to say I'm not looking forward to the end of this week for a fair few reasons.

Sorry mate, but for the sake of the Villa and to end this spiral of despair that you've caused you have to top yourself.

Just realised that if you do it I'm going to be held up as an internet fiend.

Right, think of all the good things - puppies, chips, Toby Jugs and the like - and you'll soon decide that life is worth living.

[HOLTENDER]

4 - 2

Downing, Bent, Albrighton & Walker

Must win game, but having heard now how long it is since we lost to them, I'm now starting to worry ... all good things must come to an end..... here's hoping it's not this week though

[avfcpg]

5-1 Strumping. Bent 3, Walker, Downing.
Carry on our fine attacking form from Blackburn and Bolton and finish our chances.
(but it is only Monday...I'll be going for a nervy 2-1 win come kick off)

[eric woolban woolban]

It is against the law for us to lose to Wolves, so 3-1 to us.

And 16 games unbeaten in the league against Blose, Baggies and Wolves.

Just put the kiss of death on that!

[brontebilly]

I'll be lumping on more than 2.5 goals again in this game.

I dont think Makoun will play. Houllier will surely keep Delph in the side after backing him midweek. Reo Coker and Delph did well in Bolton anyway. Thought Albrighton was superb against Wolves, Im not Downing's biggest fan but despite missing a sitter he also did well. Will be the same midfield/forward 6

Warnock is apparently back in the squad. Baker made two bad mistakes last time at set piece time. Hopefully has learned his lesson.

Id say it will be
Friedel
Walker, Cuellar, Baker, Warnock
Albrighton, Reo Coker, Delph, Downing
----------A Young----------------
-----------Bent--------------------

Hopefully Collins can make it back with Baker moved to the left but Id say he wont make the squad after the messing midweek. Cant believe Luke Young is injured again. I wouldnt have minded keeping him on at a reduced wage as cover for next season but if he is always injured there is no point. This is not a game for Herd or Delph at full back. Warnock will be looking to put himself in the shop window so he might use his experience well. O'Hara has been good for Wolves, Doyle was very poor in the away game but suspect he will cause us problems this time. Jarvis will certainly test Walker and I would be worried there if a succession of crosses makes it way into our box with Friedel rooted to his line.
On the other hand Wolves are terrible at the back with a poor keeper to boot. With a healthy supply of possession I think we will definitely score 2 at least. I'll go for a 3-2 win.

[WikiVilla]

If Warnock is in the squad, I'm guessing Cuellar & Collins are out and its desperate measures

[TimTheVillain]

Still think we ballsed up by not buying a left back in the window.

Baker will be fine there

Don't rate him from what I've seen so far.

3-1 Villa

[Mazrim]

I never thought Baker would make it at Villa but he's done O.K considering.
It's very difficult for a youngster coming into a defence that is very unsettled and unsure of itself.
That said, I'd rather he was on the bench. Maybe Warnock has made amends (I doubt it) and is in because we actually need him and have no left back otherwise.

I still want him gone come the summer and I'm sure he will be but it would be nice if he decided to earn his huge pay and maybe even, as a treat, not play like a spanner into the bargain.
In which case a back 4 of Walker, Cuellar, Collins and Warnock would do nicely. It also offers the symmetry of W,C,C,W which is very important.